Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Rich, London
13 January 2011

My previous rented property had huge, single-glazed windows and a boiler that decided to pack up during the cold snap, and gaps under the doors big enough to pass a yellow pages through.

I could see my breath as I lay in bed and had to fork out huge amounts of money to keep the electric heaters chucking out a bit of warmth.

The landlord was kind enough to bring round an M&S hamper to say sorry but I can't help but feel that their efforts would have been better spent insulating the place properly.

Natasha Khan, Bat for Lashes

"We suffered the worst mould you could imagine in my student house. Over our 2 year let, it got to the point where you'd have to dodge at least 20 slugs living off moisture in the carpet to reach the bathroom - then inhale black mould spores if the steam from the shower got too much. The cold, draughts and dampness were pretty extreme!"

Stop tenants feeling the chill

Stop tenants feeling the chill

Help end dangerously cold homes

Stop tenants feeling the chill

Need some help?

For free advice on paying heating bills and how to save energy, visit Home Heat Helpline  or call 0800 336699.

Find out your legal rights as a tenant at Shelter or call 0808 800 4444.